Berlynne Steenbergen

Copy Editor

Picture this: you’ve waited months in anticipation for your favourite band to perform in your city only to have the experience stained with chatty neighbours, dirty looks, and phone screens blocking the view. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of getting hit in the face by the hair of the girl standing in front of you, while being crushed by the crowd and losing all sense of personal space. If you’ve ever been to a concert, you know the unique feeling of connection to the strangers surrounding you, even if they are sweaty and stepping on each other’s feet. Concerts are extremely social gatherings that bring people together through music and provide a safe space for fans to exist. Attending concerts also reinforces important social skills, such as respecting other’s personal space, active listening, and promotes empathy and compassion for those around you.

In a post-pandemic world, it makes sense that live music made the comeback that it did; the world is finally free of the confines of lockdown and fans and artists alike are thrilled for the chance to exist together in public spaces again. But something has changed. With this newly-found freedom comes a wave of young people who do not know how to act at live events, due to the isolation during lockdown. 

Marisa Young, professor of sociology at McMaster University, believes that the poor behaviour of young people is because “there is a knowledge gap around manners, since [young people] missed out on formative years of immersion in school and office settings” during the pandemic.

Flying elbows, disrespectful behavior from ‘fans’ toward artists, fellow attendees, or the venue staff, and adrenaline-fueled chaos have always been a part of live music, particularly in general admission or standing-room-only shows. Sergio Da Silva, the manager of Turbo Haüs, a Montreal cocktail bar that hosts mainly hardcore shows, explains that “at punk shows and hardcore shows you should expect a bit of violence. Love it or hate it, it’s part of that culture.”

Concert etiquette refers to the set of unwritten rules that, when followed, help create a safe and fun environment at live shows. These rules make sure that everyone, from the audience to the performer to the venue staff, enjoy the experience. The unspoken guidelines vary depending on the genre of music being played, but they all center around showing consideration for others and appreciating the music. 

The decline of concert etiquette can largely be attributed to the post-pandemic era, as an entire generation was stuck inside during their formative years. Da Silva notes that younger generations tend to “[bounce] around in the front, because they are excited about the novelty of it all.” Many concertgoers attended their first shows fresh out of a lockdown, so excitement is expected and encouraged! 

The recent decline of concert etiquette reflects the difficult transition from isolation to integration, but it also presents an opportunity to redefine and reinforce the values that make live performances meaningful! By prioritizing respect, everyone can ensure that the concert experience remains a celebration of music and art. The behaviour of just one person can ruin the experience for everybody and if you wouldn’t want to have your experience ruined, don’t ruin it for others! 

A Quick Guide to Encore-Worthy Etiquette

• Learn as many lyrics as you can! It is such a bummer when the people around you only know the words to one song and there is nothing like screaming along with a crowd.
• If you buy a beverage, tip your bartender! We exist in a tipping culture and venues can’t exist without bar sales and therefore bar staff. 
• Don’t throw things at the stage. This may seem obvious, but even the act of throwing a digital camera or a plastic water bottle to the stage can end in disaster.
• Be mindful of the people around you! No one wants to receive an unexpected elbow in the ribs, so be aware of your personal bubble.
• Know your limits if you are consuming any substances. You could be refused entry, inadvertently get sick, or simply annoy the people around you.
• Keep your conversations to the minimum. You never want to be the reason for someone not being able to hear their favourite song!
• Turn your flash off! There is always someone in the crowd who accidentally takes a photo with flash (we’ve all done it) and everyone has a laugh, but repeated incidents can get annoying for fellow audience members and the artist.
• Wear deodorant. Please.

Following these super simple tips will make sure that everyone has an amazing concert experience—now sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!